St. Joseph, Missouri: natural disaster risk
How exposed St. Joseph is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Buchanan County.
St. Joseph is a city of 71,236 people in Buchanan County, Missouri. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Buchanan County relatively low for natural hazards overall, lower than most of the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, tornado and cold wave, with about $35.1 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 502 storm reports in the county since 1955, including 26 tornadoes and 42 floods. About 0.7% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Buchanan County. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in St. Joseph
Full Buchanan County report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Pick a shelter spot: a basement, or an inside room on the lowest floor with no windows.
- Turn on emergency alerts on your phone and keep a weather radio.
- Insulate pipes in outside walls, crawl spaces and garages.
- Know how to shut off the main water valve.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $13M | |
| Tornado | $7M | |
| Cold wave | $6M | |
| Heat wave | $3M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $2M | |
| Lightning | $702K | |
| Drought | $633K | |
| Ice storm | $262K | |
| Earthquake | $219K | |
| Winter weather | $164K | |
| Wildfire | $78K |
Homes in St. Joseph
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Buchanan County
Common questions about St. Joseph
Is St. Joseph safe from natural disasters?
St. Joseph is in Buchanan County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively low overall, lower than most of the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, tornado, cold wave. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in St. Joseph?
By expected yearly losses in Buchanan County, the top hazards are inland flooding (Low), tornado (Moderate), cold wave (Moderate). Buchanan County has been part of 26 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does St. Joseph get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 26 tornadoes in Buchanan County since 1950; the strongest was an F3 tornado on April 10, 1965. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in St. Joseph?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Buchanan County, about 0.7% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk low. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.